Question:
I have a partner and many family members with Asperger’s,
but the worst affected is 19. He has very limited social
skills, his eating pattern is poor, and so is his sleeping
pattern. But he is addicted to a game on his computer. How
do we as parents encourage him to spend less time on the
computer, eat better, and sleep more?
Answer
Playing electronic games provides repetition, consistency,
and security in his life. Also, electronic games are
predictable. He can count on the same actions and results
every time he plays the games. People with Asperger’s
Syndrome want to feel safe and secure in their activities.
The electronic games allow him to follow predetermined rules
that result in predictable outcomes.
It sounds like your son is concentrating on electronic games
at the expense of his health. He spends time in front of a
video screen that could be better spent learning new eating
habits and practicing better sleeping patterns.
Check into Asperger’s support groups for your son; there
might be one in your local area. Support groups give advice
on daily living skills and healthy lifestyles. Encourage
your son to join one of these groups; he will meet people
who are his age and may be experiencing similar difficulties
with Asperger’s Syndrome. In addition to information, a
support group can give your son the opportunity to talk
about his feelings about Asperger’s and the help necessary
for him to cope with adult responsibilities.
Another resource for your son is an Asperger’s specialist
who can inform and teach your son social skills. A
specialist, such as a psychiatrist, might prescribe
Melatonin, which will help your son sleep better at night.
Your son is in his late teens, and he is fast approaching
adulthood. You can use reasoning and negotiation instead of
rules and orders. However, if the excessive computer use
continues, you might need to move it into a room that
restricts his access to it. Also, the computer can be used
as a reward if your son tries new foods and establishes a
regular pattern of sleep. Although your son is getting
older, there are rules that are still effective in changing
his behaviour; you should establish those rules in your
household.
In terms of nutrition, many autistic children suffer from
food allergies, overgrowth of intestinal yeast, and
sensitivity to sugar and dairy products. Consult a doctor
to see if your son needs to adjust his diet. Changing your
son’s diet to wheat-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free
products requires patience because people with Asperger’s
can be very strong-willed, and implementing change can be
difficult for both of you. See if other family members will
adopt a diet similar to your son’s; this will make him feel
integrated into the family. Also, read diet books, look
into websites, and read advice from nutritionists.
Your son’s sleep patterns can be changed with consistent
hours. He needs to establish a time that he will go to bed
each evening and get up each morning. If he complains that
he cannot get to sleep or wake up at a given time, tell him
that there are parts of our bodies called circadian rhythms,
and they help our bodies rest. If your son can get to bed
at a specific time several nights in a row, the circadian
rhythms in his body will reset and help him go to sleep and
wake up at a given time each evening and morning. Remove
all distractions from his bedroom to help him concentrate on
rest and sleep.
That’s all for this week … and don’t forget to take
advantage of the extended special offer to join The
Parenting Aspergers Community go straight to:
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